States intention to proceed independently as a form of protest against constituency allocation to BNF.

Pledges to secure Tonota by any means necessary.

Affirms BPF's status as the sole prominent UDC affiliate in Tonota.

The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has issued a warning to contest independently in Tonota during the 2024 general elections if the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) does not reconsider the allocation of the constituency to the Botswana National Front (BNF), favoring the BPF instead.

As stated by Major Bayendisi Thabano, Chairman of the Tonota Branch of the BPF, the party is determined to secure the constituency "by any means necessary" and has formally requested the UDC to address this matter.

"It's no secret that the BPF aimed to secure this constituency under the UDC banner," he mentioned during an interview. "We seek this constituency because we stand as the sole prominent UDC affiliate in Tonota.

"We've diligently established party structures and made significant progress, thus our anticipation for the constituency allocation. It's essential for us to secure this constituency."

Thabano revealed that the BPF has formally communicated its dissatisfaction to the UDC and asserted its claim to the constituency. Should the UDC fail to address their concerns, the BPF is inclined to pursue an independent candidacy in the 2024 general elections.

"We're optimistic for a favorable response, considering the rationale we've presented," he added, noting that Losika Six Keatlholetswe, former football coach and technical director of the Botswana Football Association, has been selected as the BPF's candidate.

Currently, Pono Moatlhodi of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) serves as the incumbent MP for Tonota, having won the constituency after leaving the UDC and returning to the ruling party.

When approached for comment, UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa declined to provide any insight into the matter.